Draft and UDFA Thread 2018-19: Part VII (No Kakko/Hughes Talk)

[Mac n Gs]

Personally, I want to come away from this draft with impact players. Not just skilled players, but potential impact players.

Players who bring what they bring, but then have added value: they make their linemates better, their line make it easier for other lines to play their role, guys who help you build a complete TEAM and who you can envision doing anything to win.

I think Kakko has the potential to be that guy. I think the four centers we’ve talked about have the potential to be a part of that effort - especially Zegras.

So when I talk about Kreider trades and moving up and taking big swings, it’s not about moving veterans because they’re over the age of 26, or falling in love with shiny new toys or crazy amounts of first round picks. It’s a particular skill set and approach I am looking for.

It’s me looking at a teenager and being able to envision his game translating to the NHL and him being a guy you win with. As such, some guys jump out at me a little more than others.

Why is my dream coming away with Kakko and Zegras? It’s not because they solve all our problems. It’s not just because I love the tools. It’s because I see something in them that has a chance to enhance what we already have and build something with the potential to be special.

Could we do something with a combo of Kakko and Kaliyev? Or maybe Kakko and Newhook?

Absolutely.

But if you’re giving me the option, I think I explore a way to pay the price for Kakko and Zegras/Turcotte/Cozens/Dach first.

I think they have to have this mentality at this point. They've already stockpiled so many players that can fill out depth roles, but they're still lacking the top-end quality to push this future core over the top. Besides, I'm not too crazy on the depth in this draft, so I'd rather blow the tires off of it to get another top-10 pick, and then backfill the rest of the draft with some of the more low-key, steady eddy defenders from the USDP and WHL.

There's some other quality forwards out of Europe and the USHL that can add depth and replace the Gropps of our system: Lucas Feuk, Albin Sundsvik, Gildon, Beecher, Trevor Janicke, etc.

 

[Edge]

I think they have to have this mentality at this point. They've already stockpiled so many players that can fill out depth roles, but they're still lacking the top-end quality to push this future core over the top. Besides, I'm not too crazy on the depth in this draft, so I'd rather blow the tires off of it to get another top-10 pick, and then backfill the rest of the draft with some of the more low-key, steady eddy defenders from the USDP and WHL.

There's some other quality forwards out of Europe and the USHL that can add depth and replace the Gropps of our system: Lucas Feuk, Albin Sundsvik, Gildon, Beecher, Trevor Janicke, etc.

Yeah, this is the draft I really want to spend some capital on.

2018 was about maximizing a plethora of picks and really overhauling the system.

Next year, 2020, I tend to view as the exclamation point and maybe the last time we’re really in that top 5 range. It’s also a deeper draft and will be harder to get multiple high picks.

This year, 2019, I’d like an opportunity to really come away with that keystone player (Kakko) and then another “main course” caliber player who has the potential to really drive the play.

Nothing against a forward who works with the guy who drives the play, or a steady presence on defense, but I’d love to take that shot on a guy who we’d be really excited about, if we knew we weren’t also coming away with Kakko.

For me, it’s not just draft fever. This time period represents an ideal cross section of several important factors:

We’ve done a lot to improve our depth.

We’ve picked 5 times in the first round of the last two drafts.

We have a chance to get our franchise player this year, which changes a lot of things.

We have the potential for a lot of good support players, but we still need drivers.

We have the assets to make offers this year. This is the last year where we know for sure that we have multiple firsts. That’s not ruled out for next year, but it’s not a given either.

We’ve done an extensive amount of scouting of players in the top 10. We should be incredibly familiar with them.

I don’t think this same opportunity will be there next year, or in the immediate future. I get the sense that certain opportunities are entering their peak window, if they exist at all.

 

[Ola]

So when will my boy Karl Henriksson start to get some buzz out there? He played a really good game against the US, and is leading team Sweden in scoring so far.

 

[Matt4776]

Yeah, this is the draft I really want to spend some capital on.

2018 was about maximizing a plethora of picks and really overhauling the system.

Next year, 2020, I tend to view as the exclamation point and maybe the last time we’re really in that top 5 range. It’s also a deeper draft and will be harder to get multiple high picks.

This year, 2019, I’d like an opportunity to really come away with that keystone player (Kakko) and then another “main course” caliber player who has the potential to really drive the play.

Nothing against a forward who works with the guy who drives the play, or a steady presence on defense, but I’d love to take that shot on a guy who we’d be really excited about, if we knew we weren’t also coming away with Kakko.

For me, it’s not just draft fever. This time period represents an ideal cross section of several important factors:

We’ve done a lot to improve our depth.

We’ve picked 5 times in the first round of the last two drafts.

We have a chance to get our franchise player this year, which changes a lot of things.

We have the potential for a lot of good support players, but we still need drivers.

We have the assets to make offers this year. This is the last year where we know for sure that we have multiple firsts. That’s not ruled out for next year, but it’s not a given either.

We’ve done an extensive amount of scouting of players in the top 10. We should be incredibly familiar with them.

I don’t think this same opportunity will be there next year, or in the immediate future. I get the sense that certain opportunities are entering their peak window, if they exist at all.

Edge for GM.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

I think they have to have this mentality at this point. They've already stockpiled so many players that can fill out depth roles, but they're still lacking the top-end quality to push this future core over the top. Besides, I'm not too crazy on the depth in this draft, so I'd rather blow the tires off of it to get another top-10 pick, and then backfill the rest of the draft with some of the more low-key, steady eddy defenders from the USDP and WHL.

There's some other quality forwards out of Europe and the USHL that can add depth and replace the Gropps of our system: Lucas Feuk, Albin Sundsvik, Gildon, Beecher, Trevor Janicke, etc.

Yeah, this draft really falls off in quality for me at around ~20. I think that’s the next major drop-off (and it’s a big one) after the 1-2, 3-8, 9-15 tiers.

 

[Off Sides]

Yeah, this is the draft I really want to spend some capital on.

2018 was about maximizing a plethora of picks and really overhauling the system.

Next year, 2020, I tend to view as the exclamation point and maybe the last time we’re really in that top 5 range. It’s also a deeper draft and will be harder to get multiple high picks.

This year, 2019, I’d like an opportunity to really come away with that keystone player (Kakko) and then another “main course” caliber player who has the potential to really drive the play.

Nothing against a forward who works with the guy who drives the play, or a steady presence on defense, but I’d love to take that shot on a guy who we’d be really excited about, if we knew we weren’t also coming away with Kakko.

For me, it’s not just draft fever. This time period represents an ideal cross section of several important factors:

We’ve done a lot to improve our depth.

We’ve picked 5 times in the first round of the last two drafts.

We have a chance to get our franchise player this year, which changes a lot of things.

We have the potential for a lot of good support players, but we still need drivers.

We have the assets to make offers this year. This is the last year where we know for sure that we have multiple firsts. That’s not ruled out for next year, but it’s not a given either.

We’ve done an extensive amount of scouting of players in the top 10. We should be incredibly familiar with them.

I don’t think this same opportunity will be there next year, or in the immediate future. I get the sense that certain opportunities are entering their peak window, if they exist at all.

Like I needed any more reason to not even care if they overpaid compared to what traditionally may be spent to move up.

I mean I already had all those reasons you just write way better than I do.

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Edge for GM.

Edge for President.

 

[bobbop]

Edge for GM.

Edge for Emporer

 

[wafflepadsave]

I think this kid is an absolute franchise goalie. Would love to get him we can’t afford to take him early but man whoever gets him is getting a Carey Price version 2.0

Hopefully gordie doesn’t like him.

 

[wafflepadsave]

Personally, I want to come away from this draft with impact players. Not just skilled players, but potential impact players.

Players who bring what they bring, but then have added value: they make their linemates better, their line make it easier for other lines to play their role, guys who help you build a complete TEAM and who you can envision doing anything to win.

I think Kakko has the potential to be that guy. I think the four centers we’ve talked about have the potential to be a part of that effort - especially Zegras.

So when I talk about Kreider trades and moving up and taking big swings, it’s not about moving veterans because they’re over the age of 26, or falling in love with shiny new toys or crazy amounts of first round picks. It’s a particular skill set and approach I am looking for.

It’s me looking at a teenager and being able to envision his game translating to the NHL and him being a guy you win with. As such, some guys jump out at me a little more than others.

Why is my dream coming away with Kakko and Zegras? It’s not because they solve all our problems. It’s not just because I love the tools. It’s because I see something in them that has a chance to enhance what we already have and build something with the potential to be special.

Could we do something with a combo of Kakko and Kaliyev? Or maybe Kakko and Newhook?

Absolutely.

But if you’re giving me the option, I think I explore a way to pay the price for Kakko and Zegras/Turcotte/Cozens/Dach first.

100% yes. Guys who create space for others. Guys who make others better.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Edge for Emporer

 

[Block More Shots]

Hypothetical I want to throw out there: let's say Winnipeg loses and after all is said and done, their pick is 22. Do we think Caufield would still be available? And, if so, do you think we'd be interested? I know size may be a concern, but his stock has been trending upwards and his goal-scoring ability looks legit.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Hypothetical I want to throw out there: let's say Winnipeg loses and after all is said and done, their pick is 22. Do we think Caufield would still be available? And, if so, do you think we'd be interested? I know size may be a concern, but his stock has been trending upwards and his goal-scoring ability looks legit.

I doubt he’d still be there, but if he was, he’d most likely be the clear cut best player there and I’d be way more than interested

 

[Leetch3]

whats the low down on seider? upside potential? skating?

 

[Ghost of jas]

I doubt he’d still be there, but if he was, he’d most likely be the clear cut best player there and I’d be way more than interested

He’s pushing to get in the top ten, isn’t he?

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

He’s pushing to get in the top ten, isn’t he?

He probably should be somewhere around there, I think he’d be a great fit for Edmonton/McDavid, Buffalo/Eichel, Vancouver/Pettersson off the top of my head

 

[Kocur Dill]

Yeah, this is the draft I really want to spend some capital on.

2018 was about maximizing a plethora of picks and really overhauling the system.

Next year, 2020, I tend to view as the exclamation point and maybe the last time we’re really in that top 5 range. It’s also a deeper draft and will be harder to get multiple high picks.

This year, 2019, I’d like an opportunity to really come away with that keystone player (Kakko) and then another “main course” caliber player who has the potential to really drive the play.

Nothing against a forward who works with the guy who drives the play, or a steady presence on defense, but I’d love to take that shot on a guy who we’d be really excited about, if we knew we weren’t also coming away with Kakko.

For me, it’s not just draft fever. This time period represents an ideal cross section of several important factors:

We’ve done a lot to improve our depth.

We’ve picked 5 times in the first round of the last two drafts.

We have a chance to get our franchise player this year, which changes a lot of things.

We have the potential for a lot of good support players, but we still need drivers.

We have the assets to make offers this year. This is the last year where we know for sure that we have multiple firsts. That’s not ruled out for next year, but it’s not a given either.

We’ve done an extensive amount of scouting of players in the top 10. We should be incredibly familiar with them.

I don’t think this same opportunity will be there next year, or in the immediate future. I get the sense that certain opportunities are entering their peak window, if they exist at all.

Agreed with everything you're saying Edge. I generally do. Here is my thing though...

Most successful teams have more than one "franchise" player. Kaako is a start.

For instance...

Crosby/Malkin/Letang
Ovechkin/Backstroke
Toews/Kane/Keith
Kopitar/Doughty/Quick
Getzlaf/Perry+Neidermayer/Pronger/Selanne

Kaako is a start. I pray he's not the "Savior" like...Nash, Gaborik, Jagr.

 

[Trxjw]

It's hard to see the Rangers getting into the top-10 by dealing with a team other than Edmonton. If they're able to move Kreider or some other combination of assets to get to the early teens, and Edmonton is willing to trade down but is holding fast on sending Lucic back in the trade, do you do it? Say it's with Detroit on the clock and the board looks like this so far: Hughes, Kakko, Byram, Cozens, Dach.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

It's hard to see the Rangers getting into the top-10 by dealing with a team other than Edmonton. If they're able to move Kreider or some other combination of assets to get to the early teens, and Edmonton is willing to trade down but is holding fast on sending Lucic back in the trade, do you do it? Say it's with Detroit on the clock and the board looks like this so far: Hughes, Kakko, Byram, Cozens, Dach.

No.

I tell them to f*** right off and laugh at them a year from now when McDavid demands a trade.

 

[Edge]

Agreed with everything you're saying Edge. I generally do. Here is my thing though...

Most successful teams have more than one "franchise" player. Kaako is a start.

For instance...

Crosby/Malkin/Letang
Ovechkin/Backstroke
Toews/Kane/Keith
Kopitar/Doughty/Quick
Getzlaf/Perry+Neidermayer/Pronger/Selanne

Kaako is a start. I pray he's not the "Savior" like...Nash, Gaborik, Jagr.

Agreed. There is much work to be done - the defense, the need for higher end offensive talent, etc.

That’s why I think 2020 is also an important draft.

 

[Edge]

It's hard to see the Rangers getting into the top-10 by dealing with a team other than Edmonton. If they're able to move Kreider or some other combination of assets to get to the early teens, and Edmonton is willing to trade down but is holding fast on sending Lucic back in the trade, do you do it? Say it's with Detroit on the clock and the board looks like this so far: Hughes, Kakko, Byram, Cozens, Dach.

No, not with that term left.

 

[wafflepadsave]

A possible St. Louis and Dallas second round match up. St Louis looked really tough but could potentially let down after beating the titans (Winnipeg).

 

[I Eat Crow]

whats the low down on seider? upside potential? skating?

From the clips I've seen, he has a good chance of becoming a no nonsense 2nd pairing type that's a PK specialist, but he's not a lugging oaf with his skating or puck handling. He's big and skates decently and is good at moving the puck out of the zone, but he's no bruiser despite his size.

He's a future #4 on a contender that can probably fill in next to your defensive cornerstone on the top pairing in the event of injury. Think Josh Manson (of Anaheim) as a comparable.

 

[Matt4776]

I'd take on pretty much any cap dump Edmonton would want to give other than Lucic.

 

[Edge]

A possible St. Louis and Dallas second round match up. St Louis looked really tough but could potentially let down after beating the titans (Winnipeg).

Winnipeg had the momentum going in game 5, but let it slip away. And they never quite got it back.

It’ll be weird going from rooting for the Blues to rooting against them, but they are potentially vulnerable to a team that aggressively takes it to them.